Be all there: When you're in a meeting, performance, courtroom or other busy area, let calls go to voicemail to avoid a disruption. In some instances, turning your phone off may be the best solution.

Photo: Sean Gallup, Getty Images

Be all there: When you're in a meeting, performance, courtroom or...

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Keep it private: Be aware of your surroundings and
avoid discussing private or confidential information in public. You
never know who may be in hearing range.

Photo: M. SPENCER GREEN, STF

Keep it private: Be aware of your surroundings and avoid...

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Keep your cool: Don't display anger during a public call. Conversations that are likely to be emotional should be held where they will not embarrass or intrude on others.

Photo: Sean Gallup, Getty Images

Keep your cool: Don't display anger during a public call....

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People attend Mass to pray for the victims of a train derailment and subsequent explosion and fire at a church in the village of Sainte-Cécile-de-Whitton, a few kilometres from Lac-Megantic in Canada's Quebec province July 7, 2013. Now scores of people -- perhaps as many as 80 -- are missing. Rescuers cautiously entered the charred debris Sunday, more than 24 hours after the spectacular crash that saw flames shoot into the sky and burn into the night. The accident and resulting huge fireball forced 2,000 people from their homes. Witnesses reported up to six explosions after the train derailed at about 1:20 am (0520 GMT Saturday) in Lac-Megantic. Four bodies were found Sunday morning, bringing the official death toll from the disaster to five. AFP PHOTO / François Laplante-DelagraveFrançois Laplante-Delagrave/AFP/Getty Images

Photo: AFP/Getty Images

People attend Mass to pray for the victims of a train derailment...

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Avoid "cell yell": Remember to use your regular conversational tone when speaking on your wireless phone. People tend to speak more loudly than normal and often don't recognize how distracting they can be to others.

Follow the rules: Some places, such as hospitals or airplanes, restrict or prohibit the use of mobile phones, so adhere to posted signs and instructions. Some jurisdictions may also restrict mobile phone use in public places.

Photo: Mike Groll

Follow the rules: Some places, such as hospitals or airplanes,...

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Excuse yourself: If you are expecting a call that can't be postponed, alert your companions ahead of time and excuse yourself when the call comes in; the people you are with should take precedence over calls you want to make or receive.

Photo: Robert Daly, Getty Images

Excuse yourself: If you are expecting a call that can't be...

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Q: I know that talking and texting while driving is illegal. But my husband says that even holding your phone while driving is illegal. I disagree. Who is right? A: "(Y)ou can hold a cell phone in your hand and use it as a speakerphone,” State Patrol Sgt. Freddy Williams said. “That’s not against the law. What’s against the law is holding it up against your ear.” The Washington law states that holding a device to your ear is illegal in most cases – and Williams points out that doesn’t have to be with your hand. Using your shoulder to hold the phone to your ear also could be a violation, and might land the driver a $124 ticket.

Photo: Siri Stafford, Getty Images

Q: I know that talking and texting while driving is illegal. But my...

July is not a good month for people who like to check emails at the dinner table and text during a movie - it's National Cell Phone Courtesy Month.

Cell Phone Courtesy Month was started in 2002 by etiquette expert, Jacqueline Whitmore, with the intent of making cell phone users more respectful of their surroundings.

According to her website, Whitmore is an "author and certified speaking professional. She is also the founder of The Protocol School of Palm Beach, a premier business etiquette consulting firm dedicated to helping executives polish their professionalism, enhance their interpersonal skills, and improve their personal brand."

Take a look at Whitmore's eight cell phone rules for becoming a more courteous user in your personal and professional life.